Device and method for launching a projectile

ABSTRACT

A handheld device for launching a projectile and methods of use thereof are herein disclosed. The device includes an elongated shaft, a sling retaining member, and a sling. A portion of the sling slidably couples with the sling retaining member such that it uncouples, in use, when the elongated shaft is swung. The device can be used, in lieu of a golf club, to play the sport of golf in a unique manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisionalapplication No. 63/198,634, filed Oct. 30, 2020, the contents of whichare herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for playing agame and, more particularly, to a handheld projectile throwing devicethat accurately launches a game ball and a method of playing a gameutilizing the same.

Golf is very frustrating for the beginner or occasional player. It isdifficult for inexperienced players to simply make contact with the ballusing a golf club, let alone advance the ball accurately andconsistently. This causes slow play and increases the time of play forevery golfer that plays after the beginner tees off, thus decreasing thenumber of tee times a golf course can schedule and limiting courserevenues. This frustration causes many who try the game to quit andnever advance their skills to the point of playing an enjoyable round ofgolf.

Consequently, experienced golfers often do not wish to play withbeginners and occasional players. Golf can only be played as a familyactivity if the whole family takes up the game and practicesconsistently. As players (and every person) age, their strength andrange of motion diminish. Many people who have enjoyed the game of golftheir whole lives quit playing when they reach a certain age because oftheir inability to hit the ball far enough to enjoy the game. Age canalso affect vision. Many older golfers quit the game because withoutproper vision they lose the necessary hand to eye coordination needed tohit the ball. Furthermore, golfing requires a player to stand over theball and strike the ball with a golf club. Anyone unable to stand, suchas someone who requires a wheelchair, is excluded from playing the gameof golf.

With conventional handheld throwing devices powered by the user, theflight trajectory, accuracy of the line of flight of the projectilerelative to the target, and timing of the release of the projectile areall highly variable and dependent on the skill level of the user.Optimal projectile flight paths require considerable practice with theseother existing devices. There is a danger to other players andspectators from the launched projectiles of these other devices unlessthe user has achieved the required skill level and is able to time therelease of the projectile correctly.

With handheld throwing devices powered by the user, the user isencouraged to swing very fast to attain greater distance. However, withother devices, the faster an individual swings these other devices, theless accurate the outcome because any minor deficiencies to the swingplane are magnified by the increased power of the swing. Distance of theprojectile is also in part a product of the trajectory. If the user ofother devices does not swing on the perfect trajectory plane, theprojectile will lose distance. Additionally, the timing of the releaseof the projectile from the other devices is unreliable. If the user doesnot time the release perfectly a great amount of distance is lost in theprojectile's flight and the projectile becomes a danger to nearby peopleand property. An early release results in the projectile either beingdangerously off-line or a shorter and less powerful swing. A laterelease results in the projectile either being dangerously off-line orlanding forcibly a very short distance directly in front of the usersometimes burying itself into the ground, sometimes bouncing off theground erratically.

As can be seen, there is a need for a handheld projectile launchingapparatus with a repeatable and adjustable flight trajectory that issimple and safe to use by even a novice or individual with certainphysical limitations that accurately advances a game ball with enoughdistance to competitively and enjoyably play a game utilizing the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatusand method for hurling a projectile. In accordance with the presentinvention, anyone who is able to throw an object, cast a fishing rod, oreven wave “hello” is able to accurately launch a projectile, such as agolf ball, in the direction desired with enough distance to play anenjoyable game such as golf. This is an advantage to beginners as theycan immediately play alongside experienced players and learn the lessonsof etiquette and integrity that golf offers. This is also an advantageto golf courses because beginners will be able to keep up with thenecessary pace of play required by the course and a larger population ofpeople will be able to play thus increasing demand for the game and useof the course and its instructors.

Furthermore, the present invention does not damage the turf by taking adivot, so players using this apparatus do not damage the turf of thecourse. This apparatus is an advantage to intermediate players becauseby greatly increasing their ability to play from the fairway and hitgreens with their approach shots, average players can learn the advancedlessons of strategy and mindset that golf offers. This is an advantageto elderly golfers as they can continue to enjoy the game and the socialbenefits that come with it. This is an advantage to people with certainphysical disabilities, such as paraplegics and amputees, as it opens upthe whole world of golf and all that it provides in the way of outdoorexercise, fellowship, and enjoyable sports competition. With the presentinvention, the game of golf can become an activity enjoyed by the wholefamily, regardless of age or experience with the game.

The present invention is more consistent, accurate, and provides greaterdistance of projectile flight, than other currently existing inventionsthat might be considered similar. Its use is simpler in execution sorequires less instruction and practice for better results than anythingthat exists in its field. This device is safer and more enjoyable to usebecause of its accuracy and consistent results.

The present invention is designed to launch its projectile utilizing asimple overhead swing by the user. The user holds the apparatus abovetheir head and then swings in a smooth motion bringing their handsdirectly in front of their body. When executed in this manner, theprojectile is launched on the line that the user is facing. The fasterthe user swings on this line, the farther the projectile travels on thischosen line. The present invention will automatically release theprojectile at a predetermined and adjustable point in the arc of theswing which then launches the projectile on a predetermined andadjustable trajectory. This makes for a consistently repeatable resultthat is safely accurate and transfers optimal energy to the flight ofthe projectile and sends the projectile on its optimal trajectory.

In its simplest form, the shaft, finger, sling strings, and sling pocketare the essential elements of the embodiment described herein. The grip,retainer, and jump rings add functionality and convenience to thedevice. Shafts of different lengths will allow the users to quicklyadjust the distance of their throw. It could be beneficial, for avariety of reasons, if the shafts were of a collapsible construction orconstructed of multiple shorter pieces that could be put together tomake one long shaft, which will make it more portable. Interchangeableslings of various string length and various sling pocket shapes andmaterials will increase the versatility and adjustability for players ofdifferent heights, strengths, and abilities. Fingers of various lengthsand at various angles to the shaft and at various distances of off-setwill add functionality and adjustability of trajectory and ball spin.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of thepresent disclosure and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments.The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications,alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the present invention,showing a sequence of motion of the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a detail view of a sling retaining member of the embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a detail view of an alternative configuration of theembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a detail view of another alternative configuration of theembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject disclosure is described with reference to the drawings,wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elementsthroughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present disclosure such that one skilled in the artwill be enabled to make and use the present invention. It may beevident, however, that the present disclosure may be practiced withoutsome of these specific details.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, handheld projectile throwing apparatus 10includes an elongated shaft 11 (that is fitted with a handle or grip 12at one end thereof), a retainer 13 and a finger 14 (that together form asling retaining member) that extends from an opposite end of the shaft11, and a sling 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. Various lengths of shafts 11 may beprovided, or it may be configured to be adjustable in length for variousdistance shots (similar to using different length shafts with golf clubsfor different distances).

As shown in FIG. 1, the sling retaining member may further include acentral connection pin 20 that directly couples with an end of the shaft11. In certain embodiments, the finger 14 may or may not incorporate anoffset from the central connection pin 20 with a finger offset 21, asshown in FIG. 3. Referring again to FIG. 3, the finger offset 21 may beintegral or coupled with an opposite end of the central connection pin20, and the finger offset 21 may be integral or coupled with the finger14. In such an embodiment, the retainer 13 may be coupled intermediatethe two ends of the central connection pin 20. In certain embodiments,the retainer 13 is spiral-shaped such that the sling is retainedthereto, in use, but can be selectively removed (discussed in greaterdetail below).

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate alternative configurations of the slingretaining member. Rather than locating the retainer 13 at anintermediate portion of the sling retaining member (such as howconfigured in FIGS. 1-3), it may be, for example, alternatively locatedproximal to or as an extension of the finger 14. Further, preferably,the retainer 13 is provided as a spiral to enable easy and quickswitching between slings of different lengths for use. As shown in FIG.5, the retainer 13 may be embodied in other ways, such as a firmattachment point (in the example shown in FIG. 5, ring-shaped). Thosewith skill in the art will appreciated that other configurations arepossible and in accordance with the present invention.

Attached to the shaft 11, via the finger 14 and retainer 13, is the twocorded sling 15, 16, 17, 18,19 that includes a sling pocket 17. Thesling pocket 17 is indirectly coupled to the retainer 13 at one end viaa retained string 16 and, at the other end, to the finger 14 via areleasing string 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the retained string 16 includesa retained string jump ring 15 which slipped around the retainer 13, andthe releasing string 18 includes a releasing string jump ring 19 whichis slipped around the finger 14, in use. While the term “string” isused, it will be appreciated by those with skill in the art that thestrings coupling the pocket 17 to the shaft 11 may take various forms,such as thin ropes, cords, cables, and the like.

In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, theapparatus works similar to a handheld trebuchet. The sling is attachedto the shaft by the jump rings slipping over the retainer and thefinger. The user places a projectile 30, such as a golf ball, in thesling pocket 17. Holding the shaft 11 by the grip 12, a user raises theassembled apparatus 10 above their head with the finger 14 pointingstraight up. The user faces the selected target, such as a fairway orputting green. The user then throws the projectile 30 with the apparatus10 by bringing their hands forward and down in front of their body in amotion similar to casting a fishing pole (with the motion of theapparatus shown in FIG. 2 in a counter-clockwise direction). For astraight shot, the finger 14 should be pointed toward the intendedtarget at the finish of the swing.

The user's hands act as a fulcrum, causing rotational acceleration downthe shaft and its attached sling. The sling 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 startsrotating with the shaft 11 but rotates farther and, therefore, faster,transmitting its increased speed to the projectile 10. As the sling 15,16, 17, 18, 19 rotates past the shaft 11, the releasing string jump ring19 slides off the finger 14 and the projectile 30 is released from thesling pocket 17 and launched towards the target. The spiral-shape of theretainer 13 prevents the retained string 16 from slipping off the slingretaining member. The length of the strings 16, 18 coupled to the slingpocket 17 increases the mechanical advantage (and therefore can beadjusted, by replacing the sling on the sling retaining member with asling with different length strings 16, 18, or provided at varyinglengths in accordance with the present invention), and also changes thetrajectory so that, at the time of release from the sling pocket 17, theprojectile 30 travels at the desired speed and angle to give it theoptimal range to hit the target. Adjusting the sling's release point isthe primary means of fine-tuning the trajectory of the projectile'sflight. This adjustment to the trajectory can be most easily made bychanging to a sling 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 with a different string length,changing the angle of the finger 14 relative to the shaft 11, orcombinations thereof.

As described above, various shaft lengths combined with slings 15, 16,17, 18, 19 with varying string lengths will alter the distance andtrajectory of the projectile's flight (similar to how golf clubs utilizedifferent shaft lengths and club face angles to alter the distance andtrajectory of a golf ball). These adjustments will allow the user todetermine what is the optimal combination to provide the highestpercentage possibility of hitting their desired target given thecondition of their throwing position in relation to that target. Thepresent invention can be used whenever a projectile, such as a golfball, needs to be launched accurately for varying distances up tohundreds of yards.

Methods of using and making the present invention may include thefollowing. First, attach the appropriate sling 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 to apole 11 (which could be embodied as a golf club shaft) that has anintegrated retainer 13 and finger 14, as described above. In certainembodiments, the pole 11 provided may be adjustable in length or havesections that are attachable/detachable from each other. Next, place aprojectile 30, such as a golf ball, into the sling pocket 17. Makecertain that the strings are not twisted or encumbered. To operate thepresent invention, one needs to simply determine their target, facetheir target looking directly at the target, raise the assembledapparatus 10 over their head, align the finger 14 so that it is pointingstraight up and so along the target line and quickly bring their handsdown in front of their body, much like casting with a fishing pole. Anaccurate result occurs as the finger is pointed at the intended targetat the finish of the swing. The player then advances to where the ball30 has landed and continues to play. If the ball is on the puttinggreen, the user may putt following the rules and etiquette of normalgolf. If the ball is in the fairway the user may pick up the ball 30 andrepeat the process by launching from a position near to the landingpoint but no nearer the hole until the ball 30 is on the putting greenor within putting range. All other Rules of Golf may apply but may alsobe amended as necessary to facilitate fairness and playability for agame of throwing played alongside regular golf.

While one or more preferred embodiments are disclosed, many otherimplementations will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and areall within the scope of the invention. Each of the various embodimentsdescribed above may be combined with other described embodiments inorder to provide multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoingdescribes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and methodof the present invention, what has been described herein is merelyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. Other arrangements, methods, modifications, and substitutionsby one of ordinary skill in the art are therefore also considered to bewithin the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limitedexcept by the claims that follow.

While devices and methods are described in terms of “comprising,”“containing,” or “including” various components or steps, theapparatuses and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consistof” the various components and steps. Also, the terms in the claims havetheir plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearlydefined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,”as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than oneof the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in theusages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent orother documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, thedefinitions that are consistent with this specification should beadopted. Moreover, the use of directional terms such as above, below,upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used inrelation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in thefigures, the upward or upper direction being toward the top of thecorresponding figure and the downward or lower direction being towardthe bottom of the corresponding figure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld device for playing golf, comprising:an elongated shaft; a sling retaining member coupled to a first end ofthe elongated shaft, the sling retaining member comprising a retainerand a finger; and a sling comprising: a sling pocket configured toretain a golf ball; a first string fixedly coupled to the sling pocketand retained to the retainer; and a second string fixedly coupled to thesling pocket and releasably coupled to the finger, wherein, in use,rotation of the elongated shaft results in rotation of the sling, withthe second string slidably uncoupling from the finger to release thegolf ball from the sling pocket.
 2. The handheld device of claim 1,wherein the sling retaining member comprises a central connection pindirectly coupled to the first end of the elongated shaft.
 3. Thehandheld device of claim 2, wherein the finger is coupled to or integralwith the central connection pin.
 4. The handheld device of claim 3,wherein the retainer is coupled to or integral with the centralconnection pin.
 5. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the retaineris spiral-shaped.
 6. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the fingeris angled relative to the elongated shaft.
 7. The handheld device ofclaim 1, further comprising a finger offset that positions a startingpoint finger of the finger in relation to a center of the elongatedshaft.
 8. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein, during said rotationof the elongated shaft, the first string remains coupled to theretainer.
 9. A method of playing golf comprising the steps of: providinga handheld device comprising: an elongated shaft; a sling retainingmember coupled to a first end of the elongated shaft, the slingretaining member comprising a retainer and a finger; and a slingcomprising: a sling pocket; a first string fixedly coupled to the slingpocket and retained to the retainer; and a second string fixedly coupledto the sling pocket and releasably coupled to the finger, placing a golfball in the sling pocket; and rotating the elongated shaft, the rotationresulting in rotation of the sling and slidable uncoupling of the secondstring from the finger to release the golf ball from the sling pocket.10. The method of claim 8, wherein, during the rotating of the elongatedshaft step, the first string remains coupled to the retainer.
 11. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the retainer is spiral-shaped and the fingeris angled relative to a center of the elongated shaft.